Over the last six years the St. Pat’s Kitchen Garden has grown and developed from very small beginnings to a large garden growing many and varied vegetables, some citrus fruits and herbs.
A warm and welcoming space has been created to allow students and teachers to reflect, talk and work together on common projects.
The Kitchen Garden’s primary focus is the development of oral language, assisting the acquisition of vocabulary through practical gardening activities, which develop confidence amongst the students. We have found that working together on the many and varied projects in and around the garden has improved and developed the students’ ability to socialize, communicate, connect and most importantly co-operate with their peers.
Part of our program involves cooking and using many of the vegetables or herbs grown in the garden. Any excess produce often goes home to families and shared with the community.
The Kitchen Garden is embedded in our school culture and programs, constantly changing, improving and growing.
Latest News More news
25 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On Friday 24 April, our Year 6 students reverently led the school community in a meaningful ANZAC Day liturgy under the shelter area. Centered on the theme, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36), the liturgy invited all students and staff to reflect on remembrance, sacrifice, and the importance of peace in our world today. The ceremony began with a respectful Acknowledgement of Country, honouring the Dharug people as the Traditional Custodians of the land. Students then welcomed the community and shared the significance of ANZAC Day, remembering the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who served at Gallipoli and in conflicts since. A sacred space was prepared with an ANZAC display and poppy wreaths created by each class. During the opening song, Ubuntu, one student from each class processed forward to lay their wreath. The liturgy continued with prayer and a Gospel reading recounting Jesus appearing to His disciples, offering them peace and courage. In their reflection, Year 6 students made strong connections between this Gospel message and the Mercy values of compassion, service, and courage. They reminded us that, like the disciples, we are called to be people of peace and to share this message with others. The Prayer of the Faithful highlighted both remembrance and hope, with students praying for world leaders, those affected by war, and for peace within our communities and homes. A particularly moving moment was the recitation of The Ode to the Fallen, followed by the response, “We will remember them. Lest we forget,” spoken in unison by the entire school. The ceremony deepened in solemnity during the playing of The Last Post, by Mr Russell, as the flag was lowered to half mast and the school observed a minute of silence. This was followed by The Rouse, symbolising new life and hope, as the flag was raised once again. The liturgy concluded with the Lord’s Prayer and a final blessing, encouraging all present to “bring the Good News of peace to others.” The celebration ended with the whole school joining in a song, Peace Prayer. We commend our Year 6 students for the respectful and thoughtful way they led this important commemoration. Their leadership helped our community to not only remember those who have served, but also to reflect on our shared responsibility to be people of peace in our world today.
22 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Mary’s Pantry is a food service which is based at our Mary Queen of the Family Parish, that helps those doing it tough in the Blacktown area and beyond. This voluntary service is unfortunately struggling to keep up with the demands this season. This Term, we will be collecting non-perishable food donations for Mary’s Pantry. We kindly ask families to donate any of the items from the high 5 hand. All items will be collected by Thursday the 30th of April (Week 2).
22 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On Monday 20th April, our staff community engaged in a rich formation day centred on deepening our understanding of Scripture and its relevance in our contemporary context. The day began with a reflective liturgy, grounding us in prayer and inviting us into a space of openness and spiritual renewal. We then participated in a personal labyrinth walk, allowing time for quiet reflection and connection with God. A key component of the day was a session with Dr Laurie Woods, who guided us in exploring Scripture on a deeper level, particularly how the Gospel informs the Mercy Values that are lived and taught within our school. . This learning strengthened our capacity to interpret and share Scripture in meaningful and accessible ways with our students. The day was deeply enriching for all, providing valuable opportunities for both personal reflection and professional growth. As a faith-filled community, we are grateful for the opportunity to journey together, continuing to deepen our understanding and practice of Scripture in our daily lives and teaching.
05 Apr 2026
From Facebook
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
What a fun-filled term it has been in Kindy! We loved our special last day creating Easter bunny ears and baskets with our buddies We can’t wait to see what Term 2 brings!
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, our students at St Patrick’s Primary, Blacktown prayerfully journeyed through a Stations of the Cross Reflection Walk. With reverence and reflection, they walked in the footsteps of Jesus—pausing, praying, and contemplating the meaning of His sacrifice. This sacred experience invited our students to connect deeply with the story of the Cross and to reflect on how they can live with compassion, courage, and mercy in their own lives. As we prepare to celebrate Easter with our families, may this time of reflection continue to guide us in hope, love, and faith.
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Mary’s Pantry is a food service which is based at our Mary Queen of the Family Parish, that helps those doing it tough in the Blacktown area and beyond. This voluntary service is unfortunately struggling to keep up with the demands this season. In Term 2, we will be collecting non-perishable food donations for Mary’s Pantry. We kindly ask families to donate any of the items from the high 5 hand. All items will be collected by Thursday the 30th of April (Week 2).
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🎊🎊🎊Principal’s Morning Tea for Term 1🍀 🌲We are safe. 🌲We are respectful. 🌲We are learners. 🌲We strive to live out our MERCY values every day! Congratulations to all who joined Mrs Fitzalan for morning tea at the end of Term 1. We are so proud of you. 🎉🍀
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
In this edition of SchoolTV - Managing Screen Time As a result of the global pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices. Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and tech-tantrums on a daily basis. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal. Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. It is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use to ensure you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time and be honest about your own difficulties. Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains. In this edition of SchoolTV, care-givers will be provided with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to the Managing Screen Time edition of SchoolTV https://stpatsblacktown.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time
Browse Categories